and fun.
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. warm-ups. evaluations.GAMES & WARM-UPS
This section provides an overview of pre-practice routines. and a series of games used for conditioning.

• Follow through with thumb in the pocket for good spiral. To the receiver: • Watch the ball in to outstretched hands. Work on the fundamentals of catching and the drop-back pass. the receiver takes the ball back to the passer or to the opposite passer and goes to the back of the receiving line.
QB
Coaching Pointers:
To the passer: • Ball to trigger (earlobe). The receivers jog a short pattern of the coach’s choosing (5 yards to start and progress to 15 yards as practice nears). • After the catch. • Step with opposite foot. The receivers of passer #1 should be facing directly across from passer #2 on the opposite side of the field.
QB
Set-up and Instructions: Pick two passers and set up a line of receivers to the right of each passer. Drop-back Passing Lines
Purpose:
• • Keep kids focused and loosen up before practice starts. tuck the ball into the correct arm. • Side to target.1. After they have been thrown to and hopefully made a catch.
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The receivers jog a short pattern of the coach’s choosing (5 yards to start and progress to 15 yards as practice nears). tuck the ball into the correct arm. Work on the fundamentals of passing and catching. The receivers of passer #1 should be facing directly across from passer #2 on the opposite side of the field. After they have been thrown to and hopefully made a catch.
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. • Follow through with thumb in the pocket for good spiral. Sprint Out Passing Lines
Purpose:
• • Keep kids focused and loosen up before practice starts.
QB
Set-up and Instructions: Pick two passers and set up a line of receivers to the right of each passer.2. • After the catch. To the receiver: • Watch the ball in to outstretched hands.
QB
Coaching Pointers:
To the passer: • Ball to trigger (earlobe). • Little steps when preparing to throw • Throw with opposite foot forward. the receiver takes the ball back to the passer or to the opposite passer and goes to the back of the receiving line.

It is almost unheard of for kids this age to pull muscles or get injured from not being stretched out properly. and varying the snap count. butt kickers. full speed jog. reverse get-ups. This is also a good time to review hit position. Check for a perfect stance and have the kids perform a warm-up exercise or agility drill on your cadence. Each coach watches a small group of kids and makes certain that his group does every movement correctly.3. etc. Dynamic Warm-up
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Purpose:
• Quickly and efficiently get the kids loose and ready for practice. get-ups.
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Set-up and Instructions: Set up two lines facing each other about 10 yards apart. half speed jog.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Do not spend more than 5 minutes on warm-ups. Have everyone get into a stance (vary the type of stance each time). carioca. stances. Some of the exercises we use are high knees. Frankensteins.
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Gold Line
Set-up and Instructions: This is the first drill my teams do every season. three whistles means that the kids clap three times then run in and take a knee. We will also add our attention getters (for us.
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. etc. Red Line / Gold Line
Purpose:
• To introduce kids to the basics of football and the rules of your team. if the coach says “eyes” the kids yell “snap” and snap their heads to attention. butt kickers to the red line from hit position.4. Feel free to change that. Explain to the kids which line is which. the hit position. Have them run back to the red line. and our stances.) Keep going back to previous commands to make sure the kids remember them all.) We may add some of our agility drills to create additional commands (“high knees to the gold line from three point stance. Our team colors are red and gold so we call one line the red line and the other the gold line. Have the kids start on the red line and then run to the gold line.
Red Line
Coaching Pointers:
• Follow the coaching pointers for proper stances (section 2). if the coach says “give me two” the kids clap twice and get silent. Next we introduce our cadence. Set up cones to create two lines. Sometimes we will try to trick the kids and tell them to run to a line that they are already standing just to add some fun to the drill.

you can have the remaining players get behind the cone of the player they think is going to win. If a player loses contact with towel. Make sure one cone lines up with each player.winningyouthfootball.5. Select three fairly even kids and have each grab the towel at a taped area.
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. he can get back in game as long as the game has not declared a winner by another player touching their cone. To win. have them run a short lap. a player must touch his cone while still holding the towel. Now the player must drag the other players toward their cone and touch the cone with one hand while keeping hold of the towel.com) for this drill. one on each end and one in the middle. Towel Game
Purpose:
• • Determine who are your strongest and toughest kids. Also bind up the middle in same fashion. Now take three cones and space them off in a triangle about 7 yards from the towel in the middle. Kids and parents love this drill. roll it tightly the long way and tape off the ends by wrapping white athletic tape around the end 8-9 times. if they choose wrong. do push-ups. etc. Have fun!
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Coaching Pointers:
• As an added twist. Take a large bath towel. Learn the importance of staying low and never giving up. It now looks like a puffy rope. again about 7 yards away.
Set-up and Instructions: Thanks to Dave Cisar (www.

Deer Hunter
Purpose:
• • • Determine who are your best athletes.
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. After a winner has been declared. he goes to the outside and takes a knee. Choose 4 kids and give them each a soft ball that they can use to hit other players without hurting them. Conditioning.6. Use cones to create a square or circle that is about 40 yards by 40 yards.
= Hunters =Deer = "Killed" Deer
Set-up and Instructions: Another game from Dave Cisar. They throw the balls at the other players “deer” that have spread out inside the playing area. If a player gets hit. Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
• Coaches are needed to supervise and make sure “killed” deer move to outside the circle. pick four new hunters or allow the last four surviving deer to be the new hunters. These are your “hunters”.

On the signal they are to push and drive the other player to the edge of the circle. No twisting or turning is allowed. The player whose body touches outside the circle or touches the ground first is the loser. Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
• • Make sure kids are evenly matched. Teach staying low. Start them off in the middle either in low 2-point stances with their hands on the chest of their opponent or in a three-point stance. Constantly remind kids that the lower man and the player who uses his feet the best usually wins and point out examples when they occur. You will find the player that stays low. gets his hips under his opponent. only straight up power.
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Set-up and Instructions: Select two equally matched players to face off in a circle. and uses his legs in short choppy steps usually wins.
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. The size of the circle depends on the skill level of your players but imagine a sumo circle. Be Very enthusiastic. Sumo Drill
Purpose:
• • • Evaluate strength and aggressiveness.7. You can use this drill to emphasize blocking technique or the techniques employed by defensive linemen.

Familiarize the kids with contact and have fun!
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Make sure kids are evenly matched. Constantly remind kids that the lower man and the player who uses his feet the best usually wins and point out examples when they occur. Teach the importance of a wide base.8. King of the Hill
Purpose:
• • Evaluate strength and aggressiveness. a player must keep his feet wide. On the signal they explode out of their stance and make contact with each other. The player who drives his opponent off of the board is the winner. and take short choppy steps. stay low. Start them off in 3-point stances. They should meet in the middle with a collision and then attempt to drive each other backwards off of the pad or board. moving your feet. In order to be victorious. Be Very enthusiastic.
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Set-up and Instructions: Have two equally matched players face each other about a foot apart on opposite ends of a long blocking pad or wooden board.
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. and staying low.

Place a trashcan in the middle of each square to serve as the goal.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Make sure teams are evenly matched. If an offensive player scores a goal from inside the square. Increase teamwork and cooperation. The ball can be a soccer ball.
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Set-up and Instructions: Mark off two squares that are approximately 10’ x 10’ with spray paint or cones. This is an ultimate game meaning that once you possess the ball. Teams advance the ball down the field by passing.
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. If a pass is incomplete or intercepted. A point is awarded every time a team is able to shoot the ball into the goal. No player is allowed into the square around the goal. Nerf ball of approximately the same size. it is an automatic goal. you are no longer allowed to move and must either pass or shoot.9. If a defensive player touches the ball while inside the square. Evaluate overall athletic ability. or football. possession switches to the other team. the point does not count. Remind the kids that the team that cooperates and passes the best usually wins. Gladiator Ball
Purpose:
• • • • Have Fun! Condition.

all of the runners try to get into the endzone without being tackled by the defenders or stepping out of bounds. it is a point for the offensive team. otherwise the defensive team gets a point.
Set-up and Instructions: Mark off a field with sidelines.
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.10.4 or 5 per team works best. Golf Football
Purpose:
• Determine who are your best athletes and most elusive runners. The defensive team must stay behind the midfield line and should determine a strategy before play begins. Rotate so that all teams play offense and defense and get to face off against all other teams. a midfield line. When the offensive coach yells “Break”. If the player with the ball makes it into the endzone. and an endzone.
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The best defensive strategies are to assign each kid a man or zone to protect.
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Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
• • Make sure teams are evenly matched. The offensive team huddles around the offensive coach who hands a golf ball to one of the players. Encourage the offensive players to spread out when running. Divide all players into teams of approximately equal numbers . Assign one team to be on offense and one to play defense.

Give each offensive player a football. You may give each team 10 seconds to get together and formulate a strategy prior to starting each possession. Slam Dunk
Purpose:
• • • Improve tackling and aggressive ball carrying. at the signal the offense has 10 seconds to enter the square and slam the ball into the goal before they get tackled. If a ball carrier is tackled or driven out of the square he is done for that possession. place a trashcan or hoop to serve as the goal.
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. The defenders must stay inside the square. Have fun! Determine aggressiveness. You must make sure that players are evenly matched.
Set-up and Instructions: Put cones together in a 10-yard by 10-yard square.11.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Make sure teams are evenly matched. If you are coaching an older team or you have some especially aggressive hitters. you should carefully regulate the game. This game helps develop teamwork and open field tackling skills and is a very competitive game. In the center of the square. Select two players to be the offensive team and a defensive team with three players.

Switch walkers every time the team successfully makes it to the opposite side.
Set-up and Instructions: This is a great team building activity.12.
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. the team starts over with a new walker. tennis balls (much harder). Everybody should be involved in some way. Put your players into teams of four or five. Do not tell the kids how to accomplish the task but give clues that lead them to come up with a solution. coasters. The other kids should assist by balancing their teammate or moving the hockey pucks into position. Mark off a line about 50 feet away from the starting point that the teams must traverse. One child from each team must walk on the hockey pucks and they may not touch the ground. Hockey Puck Walk
Purpose:
• • • Improve teamwork and cooperation. If he hits the ground a second time. or something similar. Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
• • Point out examples of good ideas and teamwork. Each team is given 4 hockey pucks. the team must go back to the beginning and try again. If the walker touches the ground. Encourage critical thinking from your players.

the target goes to the outside. Select two kids to be in the middle of the circle.
Set-up and Instructions: Separate your team into groups of 8-10 kids. That player will attempt to position himself between the target and the player with the ball. If a player on the outside is able to hit the target.13. Do not allow players to hold the ball for more than a few seconds. The other player in the middle is the bodyguard or shield.
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. Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
• Encourage quick passing if a clear shot is not available. Evaluate agility. Target Ball
Purpose:
• • • Improve teamwork. One player is the target and the kids on the outside will attempt to hit him by throwing a soft Nerf or gator ball. Each team forms a circle big enough so that players could put their arms out wide and still not touch each other. You may want to use cones or spray paint to define the circle as the kids have a tendency to scoot in as the game progresses. the player who hit him becomes the shield and the person who was the shield becomes the new target.

Straddle Ball
Purpose:
• To have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
• • Quick hits and one-timers are effective shots. The kids must have their feet as wide as comfortably possible.
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. the player who hit the ball must retrieve it. Players must stay on their feet and keep a clear space between their feet… no dropping down to their knees or squatting down low. the player who had the ball go between their legs must retrieve it.14. No player may pick the ball up and the ball is always free to be hit by anyone who is close enough to touch it. Give one player a soft Nerf ball. Players try to smack the ball to get it to go between the feet of one of the other kids in the circle. Teams form a circle with each player’s feet touching the foot of their neighbor. If a goal is scored. If a player hits the ball out of the circle without it going between another player’s legs.
Set-up and Instructions: Separate your team into groups of 8-10 kids.

Give each team the packet of ropes and tell them that this is the only tool they have to move the toxic waste without knocking it over. Toxic Waste
Purpose:
• • • To facilitate team building To challenge the kids’ minds Have Fun!
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Give hints as needed but do not give away the secret. and relax the tension so that the rubber band clasps the container. strong. fill the container with water and add a few drops of food color for effect. place it over the container.
Set-up and Instructions: Find an object that you can use to represent a canister of toxic waste. Separate your kids into teams of 3 or 4. Also prepare a packet of three long pieces of rope or jump ropes wrapped in a thick.15. rubber band. They should then be able to move it out of the contaminated area. The coned off space is contaminated so no part of their body may enter that area. Teams will generally experiment with the ropes and ignore the rubber band before finally figuring out that the only way to be successful is to use the ropes to stretch the band out. Point out examples of good ideas or good teamwork. I use old tennis ball containers. You must have a container of toxic waste for each team.
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. Place the containers in squares or triangles that are big enough that the kids could not reach in and touch them (approximately 8’ x 8’). If you really want to get creative.

Teamwork and fun are the most important thing in this game. The ball can be a Nerf football or regular football. Ultimate Football
Purpose:
• • • Determine who are your best athletes. Teams advance the ball down the field by passing. Do not let this turn into an argument. Only offensive players are allowed into the square around the goal.16. it is an automatic goal. To encourage teamwork. possession switches to the other team. you are no longer allowed to move your feet and must pass the ball to a teammate.
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. This is an ultimate game meaning that once you possess the ball.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Encourage shot passes unless a player is wide open. Place a hoop or spray paint a circle in the middle of each square to serve as the goal. If a pass is incomplete or intercepted. A point is awarded every time a team is able to place the ball into their goal. To condition while having fun. Offensive players may dive to place the ball inside of the hoop as long as their feet do not leave the ground. If a defensive player touches the ball while inside the square.
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Set-up and Instructions: Mark off two squares that are approximately 8’ x 8’ with spray paint or cones.

You can have more than 4 if you like. Continuous Baseball
Purpose:
• • Enjoyable conditioning.
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Set-up and Instructions: Separate your kids into two evenly matched teams. The only way to stop the runners is to get the ball back to pitcher.
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. To have fun. Mark off bases that are much larger than a normal baseball base. One team will be up to bat and the other will be in the field. switch the batting and fielding teams. they do not stop but continue running the bases instead. When a player makes it to home plate.
Coaching Pointers:
• It’s a good idea to have an adult as pitcher. I suggest using a whiffle ball or some other substitute that is safer than a regular baseball as some of your kids will not have baseball experience and you will likely not be using gloves. There are no outs and there is no limit to how many players can be on a base at a time. After everyone has batted.17.

Pick a runner that is tall enough to pour into the top of the PVC pipe.18. To cool off on a hot summer day. Place a rubber ducky. Make sure you have your water source filled up prior to practice. To have fun. or other small object that floats into the pipe.
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Set-up and Instructions: Purchase some PVC pipe that is at least 6” in diameter and create sections that are approximately 4-5 feet long (maybe longer if you are working with older kids). Cap off one end of each segment so that it is watertight. Each team will have one runner with a pitcher. tennis ball.
WATER
Coaching Pointers:
• This game uses a lot of water. Rubber Ducky Relay
Purpose:
• • • Team building. Next. drill lots and lots of holes into the pipe. The runner fills his pitcher in a nearby water source and will pour into the pipe. The kids who are plugging the holes will usually be drenched by water squirting out of the holes and by inaccurate pours from the runner. The first team to get their rubber ducky to float to the top and out of the pipe is the winner.
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. Separate teams into groups of 6-10 kids. The other group members will use their fingers and bodies to plug the holes in the pipe.

Teams run. The first team to fill their bucket is the winners. You will need a bucket and jug for each team. the remaining water is poured in and the jug is handed to the next person in line. Make sure to have your water source filled up prior to practice. Each team lines up behind their bucket and the first person in line holds the jug. Have fun.
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. filled with water about thirty or forty yards away from the buckets. They fill their jug and must hold it over their head as they run back to their team. Water Race
WATER WATER
Purpose:
• • • Enjoyable conditioning. Drill a few holes into each jug. The water should spray out of the holes and onto the runner as they return.
Coaching Pointers:
• This game uses a lot of water. Cool off on a hot summer day.19. one person at a time to the water source. Set a large container or containers.
Set-up and Instructions: Separate your team into groups of 6 to 8. Once back at the bucket.

and says “Zip”. This is a great game that will have the kids begging to do conditioning. Zip-Zap
Purpose:
• • Enjoyable conditioning. points to a player.
Coaching Pointers:
• You may have a player come to the middle and be the “zipper”
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Set-up and Instructions: Players form a circle with the coach standing in the middle. The coach moves around. To have fun. and yell.
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. they must run a lap. sprint up a hill. “Zap”. That player must duck down while his two neighbors turn to face each other. etc.20. All players and the coach place their hands together as if they were praying. do push-ups. If anyone messes up. point with both hands.

Players who have not had their hand squeezed may try to guess the identity of the killer.
Coaching Pointers:
• Emphasize that once your hand is squeezed and you are “dead”. It is important that the player who gets his hand squeezed does nothing to give away the identity of the killer. After the killer is selected. they too must die. The coach walks around selects one player to be the killer by tapping him on the back. If a child gets his hand squeezed. If they guess correctly.
Set-up and Instructions: Have all players duck and cover so that they cannot see anything.21. the game is over and a new killer is selected. If they are wrong. all players stand up and begin shaking hands.
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. Ten Seconds to Live
Purpose:
• To have fun. The killer may take out one of the other players by squeezing their hand during the handshake. he walks around and continues to shake other players’ hands for ten seconds at which point he will fall down and play dead. You must not give away the identity of the killer.

Coaching Pointers:
• If you have two kids that have not been getting along. Teams must travel from one line to the other while maintaining contact but only two of their four feet may touch the ground on each trip. wheelbarrow.
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. Only Two Feet
Purpose:
• • To challenge the players’ bodies and minds. for one to ride the other like a horse. Common ideas are for one player to carry the other. for each to hop on one foot. Teams get a point for each successful attempt and may not use the same technique twice. forcing them to be partners in this game will usually resolve the situation. Players are partnered up and seated along one of the lines. It is a good idea to separate the kids so that one partner is big enough to carry the other partner. etc.
Set-up and Instructions: Mark off two long lines that are approximately 30 feet apart.22. Have fun.

carry it back to their starting station. twin size sheet. Teams must work together to pick up a ball in their sheet.
Set-up and Instructions: Cut a hole in the center of an old. Sheet Ball Pick-Up
Purpose:
• • Team building. Drop a few dozen balls in the center of your field and place teams of 8 to 10 players about 20 feet away from the balls. the team with the most balls is the winner. When time runs out or all of the balls are gone.
Coaching Pointers:
• If a group is having trouble.
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. try to help them. You may want to mark off an area for each team to drop their balls. The kids may not use their bodies to manipulate the ball. The hole should be just big enough that it can fit over a soft Nerf or gator ball. and drop it.24.
To have fun.

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. These are the coaching pointers that I have used to but they are not the only or even the best techniques.STANCES
There are a wide variety of stances and splits for various types of offensive and defensive systems.

Bend your knees and lean slightly forward. tackling. no pigeon or duck feet. Walk them through the same progression and check their stances one more time. Check their position after every progression and make corrections. Whenever the coach yells “break down” at any point in the season. Set the foundation for skills such as blocking. Hit Position
Purpose:
• • To teach the basic hit position.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the progression of getting in a good hit position. Stand with feet shoulder width apart. flat back. and other stances. and chin is out. Check every player to make sure they are in the proper stance and make any necessary corrections. Head is up.
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.
Coaching Pointers:
• Progress slowly. Stand up tall like a soldier. eyes forward. the kids let out a football yell and get into their hit positions as quickly as possible.25. Toes and knees face straight ahead. Next. add the command “break down”.

First explain that in football terms. and OLBs. The hit position is.
Set-up and Instructions: This is a position specific stance (we use it for our wide receivers and defensive ends) and is different from the hit position. Two-Point Stance (WR & DE)
Purpose:
• To teach the basic two-point stance that can be used for WRs.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Make any corrections to the hit position before progressing to the two-point stance. Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the progression of getting in a proper two-point stance. Move the ball and ask them again. Place a ball down somewhere and ask the kids to identify their inside and outside. DEs. however. Next have them assume a proper hit position. have them move their feet together slightly to that they are positioned directly under the hips.
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. “inside” means toward the ball’s location prior to the snap and “outside” means toward the sideline. Teach what inside (toward the ball or middle of the field) and outside (away from the ball or toward the sideline) mean in football terms.26. From there. The inside foot goes forward and the outside foot back a few inches so that their center of gravity is directly between the two feet. turn the head to look inside at the ball. a prerequisite for teaching the two-point stance and all of the other stances as well. From there.

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. lower the center of gravity by bending at the knees and sitting.27. Make any correction then have the players lower their dominant hand to the ground to complete the three-point stance. There is just enough weight on the hand so that the player’s fingertips turn white. Players should be able to pick up their hand without standing up or falling. a slight bend in the waist. and chin out. Make sure the toes and knees have remained pointed straight ahead. First have them get into a good hit position and check to make sure they have their feet shoulder width apart. The hand is positioned so that if the player’s eyeball fell out. toes and knees pointed straight ahead. The players rest their elbows on the thighs. 3-Point Stance
Purpose:
• To teach the basic threepoint stance.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the progression of getting in a proper three-point stance. it would land on his thumb.
Coaching Pointers:
• Progress slowly and start from the beginning before each new progression. From here. that the back is flat. and the head is still up so that the boys can see what they are going to hit. flat back. The knees should be at an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees.

have them fire out a few steps on a cadence or ball movement. The back remains flat but the tail is elevated slightly above the rest of his body. The players rest their elbows on the thighs.
Coaching Pointers:
• Some players may need to place more or less weight on their hands.28. Make sure the toes and knees have remained pointed straight ahead and the player is on the balls of his feet. a slight bend in the waist. ready to spring forward. The back is flat. Make any correction then have the players fall forward until both hands are in contact with the ground. toes and knees pointed straight ahead. check to make sure they are coming out low and fast. When firing out. lower the center of gravity by bending at the knees and sitting. First have them get into a good hit position and check to make sure they have their feet shoulder width apart. The arms are fully extended. The knees should be at an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the progression of getting in a proper four-point stance. flat back. Walk through the progression again and once everyone feels comfortable with their stance. and the head is still up with neck bulled. and chin out. From here. Make adjustments if not. 4-Point Stance
Purpose:
• To teach the basic four-point stance.
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. The hands are placed shoulder distance apart extended out in front of the player’s head with approximately 65% of the weight on the hands.

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.OFFENSIVE SKILLS
This section covers drills that are important for the fundamental play of individual offensive positions and position groups.

First have them snap with neither player moving. try having the quarterback place only his top hand on the center and letting the ball fall to the ground after the snap. Advance by having the quarterback pull out and eventually having the center drive forward as well. You may want to have a coach with a blocking shield for the center to fire into.29.
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Set-up and Instructions: Pair up your quarterbacks and centers. and if it bounces backwards the snap is too far back. If the ball falls straight the snap is good. Under Center Snaps
Purpose:
• To teach the center – quarterback exchange in a direct snap offense. Most fumbled snaps occur from either the center or quarterback taking off before the exchange is complete. the joint of his thumb on the laces. if it bounces forward then the snap is too short. The coach calls cadence and the center snaps the ball firmly into the quarterback’s top hand.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Begin to emphasize that no play can work without a good snap. The center holds the ball with his dominant hand. The quarterbacks must extend their arms and wrist so that only hands make contact with the center. If there are problems at this point. The center should primarily work with the quarterback that he will be snapping to in the games but it is also important to rotate so that all payers get a few reps with each other. Place each group about 5 yards apart.
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. twisting the ball as he brings it up so that the laces make contact with the quarterback’s fingers. The other hand may be placed on the ground for balance.

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Set-up and Instructions:
This is how we teach the snap in the youth version of the single wing offense developed by Dave Cisar. and fingertips make contact with the ground. have each center take 3-5 snaps and then rotate. The center must have his knees bent. At the beginning of the season. palms facing forward. butt up.
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Coaching Pointers:
• If you will be using this snap. Eventually have the centers fire out into a blocking shield or execute a crab block after their snap. Centers may practice this skill on their own by snapping into a lawn chair and attempting to get the ball to stay on the seat of the chair. We do this every day in our pre-practice passing lines. The key to the direct snap is having the backs lined up fairly close (2 ½ to 3 yards behind the center) and low to the ground. We do not over-coach the center but allow him to grip the ball in whichever manner allows him to feel comfortable. you may find this technique easiest to teach. We have our backs assume a hit position then crouch low like a baseball catcher. If linemen are snapping to each other. Their pinkies are touching each other. It is specific to that type of offense but if you are looking to run something similar or to install a direct snap package to compliment your other plays. The pass must be nice and low. just slightly harder than a lob. Have each center work with a partner or in a group if you will have more than one potential target in your direct snap formation. First instruct everyone on the correct pre-snap stance. get many reps with the center firing out at a blocking shield or crab blocking.
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.30. only linemen rotating between center and backfield positions. and head down to look at the player he is snapping to. we will teach every lineman how to snap and will run this drill with no backs. Direct Snaps
Purpose:
• To teach the center – quarterback exchange in a direct snap offense.

and Flippers several times before trying to combine it all into one movement. The upper body should stay low with the back remaining flat and close to parallel with the ground. you should look like a bird dog pointing. Demonstrate a gap step to the right by taking a short. “Flippers”: Take a second. Have the kids execute the 6-inch step to the right and then to the left. We tell the kids that their step should be about the size of a dollar bill.
Coaching Pointers:
• • Steps should be 6-inches (about the size of a dollar bill).31.
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. Walk them through the progression of Stance. “Guns”: Kids bring both hands back to their hips on their first step as if drawing guns in an old west shootout. 6inch step and bring both arms out of the “Guns” position so that fists are touching at chest level. Have the kids practice this technique to both sides and then add the “Flippers” command with a second 6-inch step. Bird Dog
Purpose:
• Teach the fundamentals of blocking on the line. This should look like two flippers. Start with kids in a relaxed two-point stance with shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. Practice this both ways several times before attempting to execute out of a 3-point stance. Guns.
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Set-up and Instructions: Offensive linemen predominantly use this drill but we want every kid to learn how to block on the line. choppy. Shoulders should turn 45 degrees to the right as well. Finish off the block with short. Next add the “guns” command. 6-inch steps. 6-inch step with your right foot at a 45-degree angle. If done correctly.

Always keep your head up when blocking or tackling. You can use the sled to work on components of a drive block such as having the kids practice delivering a blow out of a 6-point stance or breaking down the movement into the “Stance”. Make sure the players keep blocking until they here a whistle. Feet wide.
Set-up and Instructions: Take a small group of kids to your blocking sled. Sled Blocking
Purpose:
• • Improve blocking skills. “Guns”. To get acclimated to and learn how to initiate contact.
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. Short.
Coaching Pointers:
• • • • Flat back.32. You can also practice the complete drive block as one movement. I prefer to keep the groups limited to 6-8 players to maximize reps and avoid a long wait where the kids might lose focus. Keep your feet moving until the whistle blows. stay lower than your opponent. Always have the players block with their head on the outside and switch lines each time so that they work both shoulders. “Flipper” progression. choppy steps.

The first player in line will step onto the board and execute a drive block on a coach-held dummy or shield.
Coaching Pointers:
• • • • Flat back. Always keep your head up when blocking or tackling. choppy steps. Make sure they continue to block until the whistle is blown. Keep your feet moving until the whistle blows. Just like the sled. Feet wide. Having the board between their feet forces the kids to use a wide base and to keep their feet moving. have the players keep their head on the outside (or inside if you want to have them turn the dummy at the end of the block) and switch lines every time so as to work both shoulders. stay lower than your opponent.33. Split the kids into groups and have each group form a line behind a long 2x4.
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Set-up and Instructions: Some days we will omit the sled and replace it with the board drill. Short. Board Drill
Purpose:
• To emphasize keeping the feet wide while blocking.
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stay lower than your opponent. Keep your hips and shoulders glued to your teammate. Short.34. Double Teams
Purpose:
• To teach the fundamentals of the double team block.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Flat back. Keep your feet moving until the whistle blows. Two players at time will execute the double team. The player who has the dummy over top of them is the post man. Both players must keep their hips and shoulders connected while working together to drive the dummy. The other offensive lineman will be the drive man. He must get his head on the outside of the dummy (in a game this would be the defender’s inside but we want to drive the dummies away from the other group). He must position his head on the inside so that they have effectively pinched the defensive lineman with their heads. Always keep your head up when blocking or tackling. Split your players into two groups and have each group go to a dummy. choppy steps. Feet wide.
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Set-up and Instructions: You will need two adults to hold blocking dummies. Place the dummy head up on the outside player.

35. again practicing both the trap and lead blocks. Pulling Progression
Purpose:
• To teach the lineman how to pull for lead or trap blocking. If the players are in good position.
Coaching Pointers:
• If the lineman can do so without giving away that they are pulling. he may take some weight off of the hand in the three-point stance. Next have them throw their right elbow backward as they take the 6-inch step. Pivot on the left toe and rotate the shoulders so that everything is pointed to the right. Start in a relaxed two-point stance and take a 6-inch step to the right with the right foot. Practice this entire progression to both sides.
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Players will need to get a little depth when lead blocking. Check to see that all players remain in a low crouch.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the pulling progression repeating each step several times before moving on. Finally we will add a coach with a shield or blocking dummy for the players to block. Once the kids become skilled at pulling. again checking for proper foot placement and to see that the kids remain low. you may add the splatter technique for additional practice. We like them to keep their shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. The foot opens to a 90-degree angle and drops six inches back from the original starting position. the coach signals them to continue on in the path of a trap or lead block repping each a few times. The arm stays close to the body as it is swung around. We will then have them take the step with elbow swing out of a 3-point stance and freeze. facilitating the pivot. Players should go straight down the line or slightly into the line on a trap block. Next we do this out of a 3-point stance.
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36. Have all of the defenders take a big side step to the right so that they are to the left of their partner. the offensive linemen shoot their right (far) arm across their body and across the front of their partner’s legs. Make sure to rep this skill to both sides. Crab Blocking
Purpose:
• Teach the crab block
Coaching Pointers:
• Have the defender back up as he is being crab blocked. The blocker has his butt high in the air.
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Set-up and Instructions: Crab blocking is a safe alternative to cut blocking. Place your offensive linemen in two rows. The offensive lineman should land on his hands and feet with his rib cage making contact with the defender’s legs. On the cadence. One side will represent the offensive linemen and the other side the defensive. Do two reps then switch which partner is the blocker and which is the defensive lineman. He may also place his hands out if he is uncomfortable with the blocked crabbing into his legs. The next progression is to have the blocker keep his arms and legs moving and “crab” into the defender. They do not hit the defender’s legs but brush the arm across as if shining his shoes with the blocker’s arm. Players are partnered up with the child directly across from them. Defensive players assume a comfortable hit position. facing each other about one yard apart. It will allow a player to neutralize a much stronger opponent or to make a block at a difficult angle without the potential for injury that comes with driving through the opponent’s lower extremities.

find a way to get them involved other than as a dummy. I only make them take two steps but they must use the “Guns” & “Flippers” technique. Do not let the kids play with the cones or knock them out of position.37. Call a play and have your linemen step to the correct block on the cadence. If you have extra players. Review the fundamentals of stance and blocking technique. blocking a linebacker.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line up your offensive line with players in their correct positions. or running a pass route I will have them fully execute their block. Set up cones or some other objects (I use T-Ball tees because they stand up and allow the players to show me proper head placement) to represent a common defense or the expected defense of your upcoming opponent. The center must line up on this marker every time so that we get a consistent look at where the defenders would be. If they are to execute a drive block. If they are pulling.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Have the players stay in bird dog until you have checked everyone.
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. This will allow you to make sure that everyone is correct and the players will strengthen their core at the same time. Next place a marker on the ground where the ball would be. Smart Blocking
Purpose:
• • Make sure your offensive linemen know their assignment for each play.

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Set-up and Instructions: We always want to wedge on the middle offensive lineman. wedge on the center. We will generally not run the wedge until we have practiced it for at least two weeks and it rarely starts to look good until the third week.
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. freeze on the dummy before starting a count. 4: Again. 6: Have a coach hold a dummy or blocking shield at the point of attack. 5: Speed up the count and make them go a longer distance (10-15 yards). The outside hand pushes on the near shoulder of your neighbor. This does not have to be done in one day. go immediately into the drive. One final progression you could add would be to execute the wedge with eyes closed. 3: Same technique but out of a 3-point stance. Take your time with each step and get plenty of reps before progressing. In an unbalanced line you would want to wedge on the strong side guard.
1: From 2-point stance. Wedge Progression
Purpose:
• To teach the wedge block. 7: Without freezing. The center man just steps forward with flippers up at shoulder level and fists touching. step with inside foot and place it just inside and behind the foot of your inside neighbor. have them form the wedge out of a 3-point stance. The coach still counts steps. 2: Same as above but add the inside shoulder to the rib cage of your neighbor. Count slowly at first then gradually speed up as they get better.38. You do not have to get through the entire sequence in one day. Again. then have them take small steps on your count.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Do not rush this and do not add a progression until the line is ready. Make sure the wedge looks like a ‘V’. Explain that you do not have a certain man to block but only worry about pushing on your inside neighbor. We are only getting a fit right now and not moving. You are not allowed to grab your neighbor or interlock but all players must stay connected. If you are using a balanced line. 8: Do the full motion without freezing and without the coach counting.

If you have a mattress (full size or bigger and the thicker the better) that you can transport to your practice field. finishing the block by driving the shield holder back and onto the landing area.
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. If you do have a mattress. you will need to have a coach stay by the dummies to make certain that they do not become separated. If you have to use the latter method. I suggest using that. You can also use this drill to practice pulling. Otherwise. Line up the other players and have one boy come up close to the shield holder. To get a feel for finishing off a block. place one tackling dummy at the front so that the blockers will need to use their hips to lift the player over the bag.
Coaching Pointers:
• This is one of our players’ favorite drills and they may enjoy driving a teammate to the mattress but do not let them stray from using perfect technique. Switch the shield holder every five or six reps.39. Give one boy a blocking shield and have him stand a few feet in front of the landing area. That player executes a drive block. Splatter Blocking
Purpose:
• • To acclimate the players to contact in a safe environment.
Set-up and Instructions: Splatter drills are one of the best ways to practice technique and acclimate your young players to contact. create a landing mat by placing three or four long tackling dummies side by side.

Point to one direction and ask them to show you where the ball should be when running to that direction and then switch once more. Get a Grip
Purpose:
• • Teach the proper way to carry the football.
Coaching Pointers:
• You may try to knock the ball out of a player’s grip by gently swatting at it. First have them hold the ball with their right arm.40. “inside” means toward the ball’s location prior to the snap and “outside” means toward the sideline. Tell the boys to make an eagle’s claw with their right hand.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line up a group of kids up straight across from you. Make sure the ball is also in contact with their rib cage and forearm so that there are four points of pressure. When running with the football we want the ball carrier to hold the ball with his outside arm (right arm if running to the right and vice versa). First explain that in football terms. Each child needs a football. One point of the football goes into the armpit and the other point is covered by the eagle’s claw. To teach / review what inside and outside mean in football terms. Make any corrections and then practice on the left side.
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Set an additional cone about ten yards to the right and slightly in front of the first cone and one more cone about 15 yards downfield. then goes to the back of the line. Practice this drill to the right and left. forearm. gives the ball to the next person in line who does not already have one.
Coaching Pointers:
• • Eagle claw. On the signal kids run through the cones at top speed. For an added progression. Check to make sure each player is holding the ball correctly in his right hand before saying. After running. armpit. accelerating as they go. Give a football to the first three of four players in line.41. you may want to have a coach or another player pitch or hand the ball off to the ball carrier. End Run
Purpose:
• • To teach / review the proper way to carry the football. To get a feel for carrying the football while running at full speed. the ball carrier returns to the group. Four points of pressure: hand.
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Set-up and Instructions: Set down a cone and line up a group of players behind it. “Go”. ribcage.

ribcage. forearm.
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. Four points of pressure: hand. giving his ball to the next player in line without one. To get a feel for carrying the football while running at full speed. Gauntlet
Purpose:
• • To teach / review the proper way to carry the football. Practice this drill to the right and left. They are not allowed to move their feet. armpit. Learn to secure the ball in traffic. Check to make sure the ball carrier is holding the ball in the correct arm with four points of pressure. Players making up the gauntlet try to knock the ball out by swiping at it or hitting it. the ball carrier returns to the back of the line. After running.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Eagle claw. It is important for the runner to accelerate through the gauntlet and to explode through the contact of the coaches popping the dummies together at the end. You may secure the ball with your other hand in traffic
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Set-up and Instructions: This drill is similar to the end run but with two columns of players at the end that the ball carrier must run through. You may want to have two coaches at the end of the gauntlet holding dummies. the runner goes around the cone and through the gauntlet. On the signal.42.

The player who is handing the ball off must make sure to focus on the pocket and correctly situate the ball. Make him smell your armpit.
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Set-up and Instructions: Create two lines of players about 10 yards apart and directly facing each other.43. The first two players jog to each other and execute a proper handoff. Handoff Lines
Purpose:
• • Teach the proper way to hand the ball off. extend arms and look the ball into the pocket. Make sure the player receiving the handoff makes a wide pocket with his near arm on top.
Coaching Pointers:
• When handing off. make a big pocket with near arm up. Give a football to the first three or four players in one of the lines. Teach the proper way to receive a handoff. Players continue on their path and go to the back of the opposite line. When taking the handoff. The player who received the handoff gives the ball to the next player in line who does not have a football.

Get as many reps as possible. Call a play and have your backfield execute it with the runner carrying the ball out at least 15 yards. Skeleton Backfield
Purpose:
• • Learn and review the offensive plays.
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. Have any back who is executing a fake do the same thing. Make sure the spacing is accurate. use cones to represent the linemen.
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Set-up and Instructions: I use a painted fire hose to represent the offensive linemen. Players and coaches must hustle to get ready for the next play. Practice skills that are essential for allowing our plays to be successful. If you cannot. you will want to have a coach with a blocking shield.
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Coaching Pointers:
• If your backs are used as blockers. You may be able to acquire an old hose from your local fire department.44.

one that is straight ahead. Improve vision and decision making skills. and a cutback lane. cut off of the inside foot and off of the outside foot for the cutback lane. Have two coaches or players stand behind the cones. Also make sure the runner is carrying the ball in the correct hand. The ball carrier finds the open lane and runs through it as smoothly and effortlessly as possible.
Coaching Pointers:
• Always cut off of the opposite foot (when cutting to the left. Alley Drill
Purpose:
• • Teach the runner to run to daylight. Is running to the outside lane. Set up an additional cone to have the players run around and two more cones approximately 5 yards downfield. do so when the right foot is planted and vice versa). The two cones have created three running lanes – an outside lane.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line up a group of players behind a cone and give a football to at least the first three kids. The coach will decide which lane will remain open and the coaches or players will fill the other two lanes as the ball carrier turns the corner to come upfield. Adjust the ball to the correct side if cutting all the way back across the field.45.
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. switching if he has to cut back to the opposite side of the field.

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Set-up and Instructions: Pair off your backs and receivers (anyone who might need to practice receiving the ball) and give each pair a football. Ball above the waist – thumbs in. not letting it hit any other part of their body first. or all the way around to simulate different pass-receiving positions. The receiver may turn his shoulders to the right. Most kids can catch a football if they believe in themselves. The passer may alternate between high passes and low passes. Eventually we allow the receivers to separate to a greater distance and to execute overhand passes. Be confident. We start with underhand tosses for accuracy and a good spiral. emphasizing that they must keep their eye on the ball until they have secured it and that they must catch the ball with their hands. left. If it is a low pass or if his back is turned to the passer. Have the kids play catch. Ball below the waist or over the shoulder – thumbs out. Watch it In
Purpose:
• To practice receiving the ball in different situations
Coaching Pointers:
• Catch the ball with your hands and eyes (watch it all the way in). Have the players form two lines approximately 5 yards apart at first. he should catch it with thumbs out and pinkies touching. If the ball is at or above the receiver’s chest.
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. Each boy is facing directly across from his partner and is lined up at least 5 yards away from his neighbors. he should catch it with thumbs together.46.

Keep your feet moving and stay in front of the defender. The official can easily see if you are holding in this situation.
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. This does not need to be a devastating block. As long as the receivers do not turn the defender free. On the signal. The blockers do not have to make a particularly devastating block or turn the defenders as certain direction. They only have to stay on their man and take him whichever way he wants to go. the blockers attempt to stalk block the defenders who will be trying to get free and tackle the ball carrier.
Coaching Pointers:
• Keep your hands on the guy but do not hold. The runner may pick his running lane based on the movement of the defenders. if you have additional players.
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Set-up and Instructions: Select two blockers and line up a defender approximately 4 yards directly across from each one. The coach may act as ball carrier or. one of them may carry the ball.47. Stalk Block
Purpose:
• Practice blocking in open space. the ball carrier should be able to score.

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. the back being six o’clock. The circle should be about ten feet in diameter.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • This drill is better suited for older kids.48. you will end up slowing the kid down. If you try to make things too perfect. Footwork Clock
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Purpose:
• • Teach the quarterback the proper steps for each play. Right foot to 3 o’clock followed by left foot to 5 o’clock). Break down the QB’s footwork for all your plays by direction (ex. etc. Kids this age are usually able to learn skills better with an example that they are able to visualize in their heads. Compare the circle to a clock with the front being twelve o’clock. Improve footwork in general. Use these numbers as a reference for your quarterbacks when running plays in skeleton or full team sessions. Correct any huge errors but do not be too picky here.
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Set-up and Instructions: Use spray paint or cones to create a circle for each of your quarterbacks.

Set up a complete backfield with a coach watching them. The QB selects a play and communicates it to the rest of the backs. ball carrying.
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Coaching Pointers:
• When faking. The coach attempts to identify the play and ball carrier. Dip the front shoulder and rock the cradle so the defense can not see that you do not have the ball
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Set-up and Instructions: Use this drill if you have a misdirection series in your offense wherein many plays look the same but each goes to a different point of attack with a different ball carrier. and executing your plays correctly. The coach should not know what the play is. run all out for at least 10-15 yards. To make this drill fun. Practice your misdirection plays. The backfield runs the play being sure to execute great fakes. Fool the Coach
Purpose:
• • Emphasize the importance of good faking. you can have the coach do push-ups if he is unable to immediately figure out where the ball is. Be sure to point out any errors for faking.

players will need to apply their individual position skills to the offensive team and work with each other.TEAM OFFENSE
In order for your offensive unit to be successful. This section provides drills that will help develop offensive team concepts and cohesion between your players.
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shields. they will have a hard time understanding this at first. Next explain how the full numbering system works. See if they can tell you that on a 16 power the 1-back will carry the ball through the 6-hole and the line will use the “Power” blocking scheme.
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. another to touch the 4-back. Review this with your team.
Coaching Pointers:
• If you have a young team. most will assign a number to the hole) and again review by having a player touch the 3-hole. Next. etc. First number your backs and have the kids review by asking a player to go up and touch the 2-back. For us. Be patient and review it until they are comfortable with the concept. and the tag word at the end is the blocking scheme. the 8-hole. communicate how you would number the point of attack (some use a system where they number linemen. the second number is the point of attack. or some other objects to represent your base offense. Numbering System
Purpose:
• Teach your numbering system to the team.
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Set-up and Instructions: Set up cones. Have all players take a knee behind the formation while the coach explains the numbering system. the first number is the ball carrier.50. etc.

If blocking. Call a play and have your players execute their assignment with correct technique. then run it at full speed. Set up cones or some other objects (I use T-Ball tees because they stand up and allow the players to show me proper head placement) to represent a common defense or the expected defense of your upcoming opponent. Never progress unless the play has been executed perfectly. Perfect Play
Purpose:
• Make sure that every player knows his assignment and technique for each play. Early in the season we will have the kids walk a play.51. Coaches and players must hustle back and get ready for the next play. You should also have a few coaches with shields that can move around to represent key defenders that must be accounted for in order for a given play to succeed. Place a marker on the ground where the ball must be spotted each time so that we get a consistent look at where the defenders would be. Safely practice your plays in a controlled setting. Make corrections on the fly and repeat a play until it is perfect.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line up your offense with players in their correct positions. jog it.
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. we ask them to freeze to show the coaches that they have proper head placement.
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Coaching Pointers:
• You want as many reps as possible.

If possible. spike the ball. etc. No Huddle
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Purpose:
• • • To practice the no-huddle.52. different down and distances. Otherwise. One of these coaches is also responsible for spotting the ball after each play. Have whichever coach calls your plays go to the sideline as he would in a game situation. Safely rep your plays in a controlled setting. Condition. Have your offense take the field with any coaches that you can spare holding shields or dummies and moving around to play as defenders that must be accounted for in order for a given play to succeed. give one to each coach. have another coach take any players that are not being used with him to run a separate drill. Make corrections on the fly.
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Set-up and Instructions: Set up two rows of cones to represent the sidelines.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Practice different situations you may encounter when running no-huddle (rotating players. The coaches should know which play has been called so if your team uses wrist coaches. rotate them in.
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.) Get a lot of reps. hurry-up.

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Coaching Pointers:
• Try to get as many plays in as possible. On the final day of practice. My 2006 team never seem to get the same benefits and we eventually stopped scrimmaging altogether.53. On the first day we would only use our own offense and defense. Rotate halfway through or every other day so that everyone has a chance to play both offense and defense. It was a great opportunity for the kids to learn in a game situation and for us coaches to instruct on the fly. On the second day. Coach your players on the fly.
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Set-up and Instructions: This drill seems to work better for some groups of kids than for others. The greatest gains will come if you have two capable coaches – one whose area of expertise is on the offensive side of the ball and another who is able to concentrate on the defense. In 2004 I was an assistant coach on a team that participated in half-line scrimmages for a half hour at each practice.
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. Our 2004 team practiced three days each week. we would run our plays against the expected defense of our upcoming opponent. we would look at our opponent’s plays against our defense. Half Line Scrimmage
Purpose:
• To practice your offense and defense in a live situation.

DEFENSIVE SKILLS
This section covers drills that are important for the fundamental play of individual defensive positions and position groups.
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the linemen should explode out of their stance as quickly as possible. Check for proper stances before beginning the cadence. Strengthen the leg muscles.
Coaching Pointers:
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• • Start with a little more weight forward than usual. Practice a fast. Have the linemen finish out the drill by running about five yards. low.54. Once the ball moves. Explosive take-off. Stance and Take-Off
Purpose:
• • • To review the defensive lineman stance.
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Set-up and Instructions: Line up a small group of defensive linemen across from a coach. The coach is holding a football just as a center would. Emphasize a low charge. Vary the snap count and try to get the defense to jump offside. Turn this into a race but do not allow the players to raise up tall out of their stance.

55. Blow the Gap
Purpose:
• • To review the defensive lineman stance and explosive take-off. Practice shooting through a gap and taking on double teams.

Coaching Pointers:
• • • • Start with a little more weight forward than usual. If you make it through the gap, gain control, find the ball, and make the tackle. If stalemated, stay low and keep fighting. When getting moved backwards, get on the ground and create a bus wreck.

Set-up and Instructions: Put your defensive linemen into small groups. You will need two coaches or players to hold shields or dummies for each group. If you do not have enough shields, you can have some of your other players try to prevent the defender from penetrating but keep in mind that this is a drill for developing technique and confidence in your defensive players. The offensive linemen should not deliver a devastating block. Like all drills involving the take-off of defensive linemen, it is a good idea to have a coach snap a football to instill good habits. On ball movement, the defensive linemen explode out of their stance and attempt to penetrate the gap between the two offensive players. He must use a low charge and keep his feet moving. It is ok if the defender falls or if they are unable to split the blockers as long as he continues to fight. If he cannot get through the gap, neither can the ball carrier. The worst thing he can do is to attempt to get past the blockers by taking any path other than directly through the assigned gap. Remind the defenders that if they are getting driven back on a double team, they are to get to the ground and create a pile.

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56. All Gaps
Purpose:
• • To review the defensive lineman stance and explosive take-off. Practice shooting through a gap and taking on one-onone blocks and double teams.

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Coaching Pointers:
• • • If you make it through the gap, gain control, find the ball, and make the tackle. If stalemated, stay low and keep fighting. When getting moved backwards, get on the ground and create a bus wreck.

Set-up and Instructions: Separate the defensive linemen into two lines that are facing each other. One group will play as offensive linemen and the other as the defensive line. If you have an odd number of players, the offensive line gets the extra player. Otherwise you can have a coach with a shield or dummy stand in to represent an offensive lineman. The defensive players align in the gaps of the offensive players. It is a good idea to use a ball for this drill or you can just have one player put out their hand and snap and imaginary ball. The coach calls cadence and the defensive line goes on ball movement. They attempt to fire through the gaps and get into the backfield. The offensive linemen are free to block either of the defenders that are near to them. This will result in some defensive linemen getting blocked one-on-one, some getting double-teamed, and some coming through unblocked. The defensive lineman must determine what is happening and react accordingly. Against a one-onone block, fight the pressure and penetrate into the backfield. If unblocked, gain control and break down to find the ball. When doubleteamed, attempt to stay low and split the block but get on the ground and create a pile if being driven back. The defensive linemen can never leave their assigned gap in this drill. Every player rotates one spot clockwise after every one or two reps.

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57. Drive and Rip
Purpose:
• Teach the technique for playing as a head-up, twogap defensive lineman.

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Coaching Pointers:
• Deliver the blow and knock the offensive lineman backward. Extend your arms to create space. Be prepared to come off to either side. Make a decision quickly, lose the blocker, and get to the ball.

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Set-up and Instructions: Set up lines of defensive linemen with no more than four kids in each line. Line up a coach or player with a shield, representing an offensive lineman, in front of each line. It is also a good idea to have a coach or player acting as center so that the defenders get used to firing off on ball movement. The coach stands behind the dummy holders. When the ball moves, the defensive linemen fire off directly at the offensive linemen, making contact with the chest, both hands, and facemask (with head up). After the initial explosion, the defender attempts to lock out the offensive lineman and drive him backwards while looking into the backfield and in this case, at the coach. The coach signals the direction that the ball is going at which point the defenders should drop their far shoulder and rip the far arm underneath of the blocker, almost in an uppercut motion, to create separation. They then pursue down the line to get into position to make the tackle. At this age, defensive linemen have a tendency to pick a gap without any regard to where the ball is going. The defensive linemen in this drill should never pick a side until they get a signal from the coach. Switch dummy holders after every three to five reps.

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On the cadence or ball movement. lose the blocker.58. and facemask (with head up). the defender attempts to lock out the offensive lineman and drive him backwards while looking into to see which side the ball carrier has chosen. and one as a ball carrier.
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Set-up and Instructions: Three of you linemen will be involved in any given rep of this drill. Select one player to act as a defensive lineman. he can use the rip move or another technique to get away from the blocker and make the tackle. and get to the ball. approximately 5 yards wide that the runner must stay within. If the blocker is more skilled than the defender. If you have a surplus of players. 2 vs.
Coaching Pointers:
• Deliver the blow and knock the offensive lineman backward. it is a good idea to have more than one instance of this drill going on at a time so that players are not waiting around too long. Make a decision quickly. we ask him to ease up slightly but to still make the defender work hard to make the play. making contact with the chest. both linemen will fire out and make contact while the ball carrier attempts to run to daylight. both hands. The defensive lineman fires off directly at the offensive lineman. Extend your arms to create space. The offensive lineman attempts to block the defender but we do emphasize that this is a defensive drill. Set up an alley of cones. one as an offensive lineman. After the initial contact. Be prepared to come off to either side. 1 DL Drill
Purpose:
• Teach the technique for playing as a head-up. twogap defensive lineman. Rotate positions after each rep.
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. If the defender has created separation.

attempting to split the blockers. the defensive lineman can get lower. Rotate which player is the defender after every 1-2 reps. and make the tackle.
Coaching Pointers:
• • • If you make it through the gap. the blockers attempt to execute a double team block. Two players will represent offensive lineman while the other plays a defensive lineman. the defender should get on the ground and create a pile as quickly as possible. get on the ground and create a bus wreck. The defender aligns in the gap between the two blockers. Beat the Double
Purpose:
• • Learn the technique for taking on double team blocks.
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. The defender explodes low and hard with his head up. and continue fighting to get through. When getting moved backwards. even t one knee. The worst thing the defender can do is to leave his assigned gap. stay low and keep fighting. gain control. On your signal or on ball movement. React to different situations that occur when being double teamed. If stalemated.
Set-up and Instructions: Divide your defensive linemen into groups of three. find the ball.59. If being driven back. If he is getting stalemated.

The coach.
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Set-up and Instructions: Have a group of defensive linemen get set in their positions. On cadence or preferably ball movement. If the quarterback attempts to throw before the lineman can sack him. Never hit the QB once he has released the ball. at least force the QB to change his throw. Once the defense recognizes that the play is a pass. Hands Up
Purpose:
• Ingrain the importance of getting your hands up during a pass rush. Rush the quarterback like mad. and play action passes to keep the defense honest.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Review the coaching pointers for stance and takeoff. drops back and raises the ball in a passing position. the line executes their normal technique.60. they take the correct pass rushing path to the quarterback attempting to get a sack or at least to disrupt the QB’s normal throwing motion by forcing him to run or by getting in the way and making him change his throwing path. Try to knock the ball down but if not. the defenders should raise their arms and hands to get in the way of where the QB intends to throw. get your hands up in his line of vision or his throwing path if you can not make the sack. The coach can mix up runs. dropback passes. acting as quarterback.

a player must keep his feet wide. Constantly remind kids that the lower man and the player who uses his feet the best usually wins and point out examples when they occur. moving your feet.
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Set-up and Instructions: Have two equally matched players face each other about a foot apart on opposite ends of a long blocking pad or wooden board.61. and take short choppy steps. Be Very enthusiastic. Teach the importance of a wide base. and staying low. King of the Hill
Purpose:
• • Evaluate strength and aggressiveness. They should meet in the middle with a collision and then attempt to drive each other backwards off of the pad or board. On the signal they explode out of their stance and make contact with each other. The player who drives his opponent off of the board is the winner. Familiarize the kids with contact and have fun!
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Make sure kids are evenly matched. Start them off in 3-point stances. stay low. In order to be victorious.
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Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
• • Make sure kids are evenly matched.
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Set-up and Instructions: Select two equally matched players to face off in a circle. only straight up power.62. gets his hips under his opponent. You can use this drill to emphasize blocking technique or the techniques employed by defensive linemen. On the signal they are to push and drive the other player to the edge of the circle. Sumo
Purpose:
• • • Evaluate strength and aggressiveness. Teach staying low. The player whose body touches outside the circle or touches the ground first is the loser. Constantly remind kids that the lower man and the player who uses his feet the best usually wins and point out examples when they occur. No twisting or turning is allowed. Be Very enthusiastic. Start them off in the middle either in low 2-point stances with their hands on the chest of their opponent or in a three-point stance. The size of the circle depends on the skill level of your players but imagine a sumo circle. and uses his legs in short choppy steps usually wins. You will find the player that stays low.

acting as quarterback. You may rush the QB on a pass but take an “L” path under control. bootlegs. The coach. Rep the fundamentals of contain responsibility to your defensive ends or outside linebackers.63. first drops straight back checking to see that the ends penetrate straight into the backfield. Contain. bootleg. The ends must stay square. or reverse coming back to him. Never show your jersey numbers to a blocker.
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Set-up and Instructions:
Place two cones about 8 yards apart to represent the offensive tight ends. not quite as deep as the ball. stay home looking for counter.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Keep your shoulders square to line of scrimmage. without angling in. The defensive end that the coach comes at must get low and attack with his inside shoulder. or reverse. For our defense. The backside defensive end must slowly pursue through the backfield being prepared for a bootleg. The coach stands between the two cones holding a ball. dropback passes (ends rush in the shape of an ‘L’). The next progression is to have the coach move to one side or the other to simulate a blocker coming out of the backfield. Again. You can also use the extra players to serve as blockers coming out of the backfield or pulling guards. Spot. you can get more advanced having the coach execute cutbacks. cutback. keeping the outside shoulder free. Once your contain players have become proficient at these fundamentals. Pursue
Purpose:
• • Teach the box technique for contain. they must not turn their shoulder or cross their feet. we have the ends align one yard outside a tight end and two yards outside of a wing. cutback. never turning their shoulders so that the coach would be able to see their jersey number. The next step is to have the ends penetrate to the same depth and then to move inward in the shape of an ‘L’. Keep the outside shoulder free. Have the ends rotate to the opposite line after each rep. If play goes away. or other plays that might cause concern. Have your defensive ends form a line behind each cone. The first two defensive ends step up and assume a proper stance outside of their cone. The coach calls cadence but the ends move only when the coach simulates a snap.

4 5 2 7 3 6
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Coaching Pointers:
• Don’t just accept the blow.
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Set-up and Instructions: Separate players into groups of 4 or 5. gather himself.
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Acclimate players to contact. One player will be in the middle with two players to the side and the other player(s) in front of him. Sam Huff
Purpose:
• • Practice taking on and shedding a blocker. no more than 3 or 4 yards distance between them. and be prepared for the next hit. The boys should line up relatively close to the middle player. the other players will step up to hit the middle boy who must use proper form to take on each blocker. The player to the far left will execute to blocks in a row and then the other boys will make contact once more in reverse order. One at a time from left to right. deliver one of your own as you shed the block.
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.64. The middle player must step in and take on the block with his right shoulder. Use your shoulders to deliver the blow and your arms to separate yourself from the blocker. Rotate a new boy to the center and repeat until everyone has gone. Start with the player to the right side of the middle player coming in to execute a block.

if you do not have enough skill players to run a scout offense.) Prior to the start of practice. Those players should be working on another drill or.) Show the play to the scout offense using as little time as possible. Outside Drill
Purpose:
• Practice defending plays with your defensive backs and linebackers. Line up your defensive personnel in their positions without the interior defensive line. guards. Jack is ‘F’. the defensive linemen can play offense (they usually enjoy this as it gives the linemen a chance to play positions that they normally would not be able to.65. break the huddle. It is best to use a letters for each position on the card and assign each of your scout players a letter (Billy is ‘T’. Coach your players up after each play and then quickly huddle for the next rep.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Try to get a lot of reps. When executing the plays. Learn to work together to defend sweeps. and so on. If it will increase the number of reps you can get.
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Set-up and Instructions: Place 5 cones or alternate objects to represent the offensive center. and check the defensive alignment. passes. the coach will have drawn up cards with the offensive plays of your upcoming opponent or common plays that you feel the defense needs to work on. have a coach play quarterback. we will run full speed but with no tackling. Coach on the fly and spend minimal time in the huddle.
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. and isolation plays. and tackles.

and then execute a form tackle on the third player without taking him to the ground. Don’t engage him. The player out in front will shed the block. gather himself. this time using the opposite shoulder.
Coaching Pointers:
• • • Attack the blocker. gather himself. step and take on the block with your shoulder. That boy must shed the block with either his right or left shoulder. and everyone else moves one spot up in the line. With the rest of the players still in line. The first player in line will charge out and execute a block on the player in front of him. After each rep.
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Set-up and Instructions: Set up any players that will be participating in the drill in a straight line. He will be followed by the third player who is holding a football and acting as a ball carrier. and prepare for the next blocker. Shed the Block
Purpose:
• Learn how to take on and get rid of a lead blocker. Don’t just take the hit. The second person in line will come out immediately after the first block has been shed.
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. Get rid of him.66. Get low. Have the first person in line step out approximately 4 yards in front of everyone else. give a football to the third player. The initial contact and the shed are all one continuous motion. and face the group. the player out in front goes to the back of the line. turn. the player who was first in line comes out in front. Use your arms to toss the blocker to the side.

3) Side shuffle in a zig-zag while facing forward.
Coaching Pointers:
• • • Keep your shoulders square when moving laterally. 2) Bunny hops. cones or rolled up bath towels may be substituted. This is a great drill for linebackers as it teaches them to move laterally to the line of scrimmage without turning their shoulders.
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Set-up and Instructions: This drill is typically done at the higher levels with 5 or 6 tackling dummies or agility bags. Since most of us will not have access to that type of equipment. Do each skill twice. Lift your knees up high when going over a bag or cone. Teach players to stay square to the line of scrimmage while pursuing a ball carrier (good drill for linebackers). Bag Work
Purpose:
• • To improve overall agility and athleticism.67. Have a group of about 6 players make a straight line behind the first bag and execute the following agility drills as they travel through the bags: 1) High knees. The distance between objects should allow the players to maneuver comfortably and may vary for different age groups. 5) turn sideways and high knee over each bag. 4) turn sideways and run forward and then backpedal in a zigzag. get up quickly. If you fall. Lay down the obstacles in a straight line with about two feet in between each one.

If he chooses the latter. Tell your backs which direction you will be running to and have one of them act as a lead blocker. Although this drill is chiefly done to practice defending the iso. The linebacker must step up and take on the block with his inside shoulder.
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Set-up and Instructions: I call this the triangle drill because we typically have three linebackers but you can do the same drill with only two backers.
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. Get rid of him. the back will have to cut the ball back to the oncoming backside linebacker or widen to attempt to get outside of the playside backer’s free shoulder. Don’t just take the hit. Get low. Have the coach represent the quarterback and have your backers align in their normal defensive spots. Triangle Drill
Purpose:
• • Practice taking on and shedding a lead blocker. We never bring the back to the ground in this drill. The initial contact and the shed are all one continuous motion. Don’t engage him. the playside backer must play off the block and wrap up on the ball carrier.68. Learn how to defend the isolation play. keeping the outside shoulder free. step into the man and take on the block with your outside shoulder. attempting to block the playside linebacker. we could also practice proper pursuit angles on sweeps and coverage against passes. Use your arms to toss the blocker to the side.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • Attack the blocker. Take two extra players as offensive backs and align them in either an I formation or as splitbacks. Typically we use this drill to practice defending the isolation play. If done correctly.

Coaching Pointers:
• • • Align one yard inside and three yards off of the receiver. the receivers are free to run any route that they choose. Coach the players on the techniques that you stress regarding man coverage. Two even lines form behind the cones and the coach. When the receiver looks for the ball. put your hand in between his hands and in front of his face as you look for the ball. you can tackle him right away. Man Coverage
Purpose:
• Practice man coverage technique. For us. Always be in position that if the receiver does catch the ball. The coach must choose a receiver and throw the ball relatively quickly. turn and look.69. If he gets past you. turn and run to catch up. On the coaches signal. The first player in each line comes out and plays defensive back. we want the defender to align three yards off of the receiver and one yard inside. Stay just inside and just behind the receiver.
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Set-up and Instructions: Place two cones anywhere from 20 to 30 yards apart from each other. Once the play starts. acting as quarterback will stand in between the cones.
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. you place your hand in between his hands and in front of his face. the defender goes to the end of the line and the receiver becomes the defender. He will use man coverage technique on the player who is now at the front of the line. If the receiver gets behind you. turn and run as fast as you can to catch up. Keep your eyes on the receiver and stay with him wherever he goes. After each rep. When his hands come up. You may want to separate your more experienced or skilled players into one line and your players who are still developing into the other line. stay just behind and just inside of the receiver keeping your eyes on him the entire time.

In man. they yell “Sideline!” and all players head to the near sideline.
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Set-up and Instructions: Place cones down to represent the offensive players and set up a skeleton defense using only the positions that are active in pass coverage. we teach our defenders to keep their eyes on the player they are covering but in zone. turns.
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. The coach will simulate a snap and drop back into his passing stance. Explain the situations where you would use zone coverage and the difference between zone and man coverage (man you cover a specific player no matter where he goes.
Coaching Pointers:
• • You are covering an area of the field. As the defense improves. As the quarterback looks. the defense may adjust as necessary. we want them to look at the quarterback and to use their peripheral vision to be aware of any receivers that enter the zone. all zones disappear. All defenders that are in zone coverage will drop to their designated zone while keeping their eyes on the quarterback. not a particular man. Zone Coverage
Purpose:
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Teach zone coverage concepts and technique. The coach throws the ball and all defenders run toward it (the zones disappear once the ball is in the air). His eyes and body motion will show you where he intends to throw. The quarterbacks eyes and body will indicate the direction to which he intends to throw. Use peripheral vision to be aware of receivers in your zone but watch the QB. or rolls to different directions. If someone intercepts. You may want to use cones or spray paint to set up boxes that represent the different zones your defenders will have to cover. Get to the ball. in zone you cover an area of the field and are responsible for any player that enters that area). Once the pass is in the air. you may add receivers or use zone coverage in your passing scrimmage.70.

acting as quarterback will stand in between the cones. Place two cones about 20 yards apart from each other. the defender goes to the end of the line and the receiver becomes the defender. we try not to overdo it with techniques but instead tell them to be very physical here. follow him and maintain regular man coverage. We want them to align on the inside shoulder of the receiver and as close to their man as possible without being offside. For us. He will use jam coverage technique on the player who is now at the front of the line. When he moves. They look only at their man and are concerned with nothing else. follow him and maintain man coverage. Two even lines form behind the cones and the coach. When their man moves. If so. After each rep. Punch his chest with the palms of both hands and try to jam him on the line. If your man blocks. The offensive players can either run a pass route or block. as close to him as possible. you move. Keep your eyes on the receiver. we want to punch him in the chest with the palms of both hands and keep him from releasing for a pass. The first player in each line comes out and plays defense. shed the block and make the tackle. The coach can pass or run depending on what the offensive players are doing.
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. Your outside leg dissects the receiver.
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Set-up and Instructions:
Review the situations where you would use jam coverage with your players and the techniques you want them to use.
Coaching Pointers:
• Align on the inside shoulder of the receiver. You may want to separate your more experienced or skilled players into one line and your players who are still developing into the other line. If he does release.71. If he gets away. Jam Coverage
Purpose:
• Practice jam coverage concepts and technique. continue to engage him but look inside to see if the play is a run coming your way.

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Set-up and Instructions: A group of no more than 6 players forms a line behind a cone. If you make an interception. yell “Sideline!” and head to the nearest sideline. First remind the kids or ask them about what happens when we make an interception. Give each player 4 or 5 reps of this drill. the players run one at a time at about three quarters speed. If you hear “Sideline!”. “Sideline!” and heads for the nearest sideline. The coach tosses a football to the player who tries to catch it with his hands. If he makes the catch.72. After this. Learn what to do once an interception has occurred. The player who makes the interception yells.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • • Catch the ball with your hands and eyes. Make sure that the player returns the ball to the pile near the coach before going to the back of the line. Find which sideline he is headed to and get in front of him to block. Never block an opponent in the back or below the waist. All of his teammates find which sideline he is headed toward and go that way attempting to block an opponent. Emphasize that they must never block below the waist or behind the back. one of your teammates has intercepted the ball. the player yells “Sideline!” and continues as if running down the near sideline. Interceptions
Purpose:
• • Apply catching techniques to intercepting the ball on defense. The coach kneels down about 10 feet away from the line with several footballs beside him.

Practice the fundamentals of man and / or zone pass coverage in a game situation. receivers. Get many reps.73. and check the defensive alignment. Jack is ‘F’. the linemen always enjoy the opportunity to play skill positions. Coach on the fly.
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. If you have enough extra skill players. break the huddle. we will run full speed but with no tackling.) Show the play to the scout offense using as little time as possible. Coach your players up after each play and then quickly huddle for the next rep. Prior to practice. and so on. If you do not have enough extra skill players. It is best to use a letters for each position on the card and assign each of your scout players a letter (Billy is ‘T’.
Set-up and Instructions: Place five cones down to represent the five interior offensive linemen and set up a skeleton defense using only the positions that are active in pass coverage. create note cards with common pass plays or the plays of your upcoming opponent. Passing Scrimmage
Purpose:
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Review and practice the responsibilities of your defensive backs and backers against the pass. and tight ends. When executing the plays. The coach can play as quarterback. they will serve as the offensive runningbacks.
Coaching Pointers:
• • Review the concepts for man and zone coverage.

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. as well as a variety of drills for introducing and improving tackling.TACKLING & TEAM DEFENSE
This section provides drills that will help develop defensive team concepts and cohesion between your players.

If their partner is bigger. The final step is to have the tackler attempt to lift the runner and carry him backwards. Screws to the ball. Be sure not to go to the ground here. Do this a couple of times with the ball on both sides and for both partners. hit through him. Again. put the screws to the ball with shoulder in the runner’s stomach. Start in hit position. Next we show them the two screws that hold the top of the facemask to the helmet and explain that when we say “screws to the ball” we mean that we would like them to keep their head up so that those two screws make contact with the ball while executing a tackle. Always keep your head up when tackling. take one step. We designate one side to be the tackler and the other side as the ball carrier. We just want them to get a feel for lifting when tackling. Don’t hit the man. have the tackler keep his feet moving.
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Coaching Pointers:
• • • • • Tackling starts with a good hit position. Lock the hands or grab cloth. Players find a partner that is of comparable size and line up facing directly across from them. Form Fit
Purpose:
• Introduce the fundamentals of a form tackle. First we will have everyone take a knee as we read the warning on the back of the helmet to them. Wrap the arms around his butt or just underneath.74. Partners should be only a few feet apart and at least five feet away from any other group. rep this progression a couple of times. Slowly go through the progression of a proper form tackle. be sure not to go to the ground and rep this several times. driving the runner back a few steps after the form fit. You may give the runner a ball or just have him hold his arm as if carrying a football. Next. The arms wrap around the butt or just below and the tackler locks his hands or grabs cloth in the back. Lift on contact and keep your feet moving.
Set-up and Instructions:
This is how we introduce tackling to our players. Place your shoulder in his midsection. Again. players may not be able to lift for very long and that is ok. emphasizing that they must keep their head up at all times.

the tacklers. That line will be the runners and the other line. driving the runner a few steps before releasing him. the players jog at three-quarters speed to the cone. On the coaches signal.
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. wrap around the butt. The tackler will execute the proper form for an angle tackle. Place a cone in front of one line and give the first three people in the line a football. Any more than 8-10 people creates unnecessary waiting. etc. Head must always be in front on an angle tackle. Do not do this drill with your whole team. switch which line is the runners and which line is the tacklers.75. the runner gives the ball to the next person in line who does not already have one and both players go to the back of the opposite line. After each rep. You may want to have a coach stand to the side to insure that the players do not go to the ground. After everyone has gotten a few reps. We want a little bit of contact here but we do not want our players to go to the ground.
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Set-up and Instructions: Form two lines about 5 yards apart from each other. screws to the ball. Angle Tackling
Purpose:
• • Teach proper form when executing an angle tackle. Get acclimated to contact in a controlled setting.
Coaching Pointers:
• Review the techniques for a proper form tackle – hit position.

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Set-up and Instructions: For this drill you will need two tackling dummies and a coach for each bag. and then returns to the back of the opposite line so that on their next rep. The coaches keep the dummy up.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Review the techniques for a proper form tackle – hit position. making sure to keep his head up and placing the screws on the ball. Set down cones 5 or more yards away from each dummy and form a line behind each cone. gives the ball back to the coach. On the signal. hit through the man. Do not do this drill with your whole team. etc. they may practice tackling with their head on the other side. Emphasize keeping the head up and putting screws to the ball. Don’t just hit the man. holding it the outside while placing a ball against it at about the level where a runningback would carry it. Any more than 8-10 people creates unnecessary waiting. wrap around the butt. the first player in each line will execute a running. each player recovers the fumble that they created. it can create a fumble and that is exactly what should happen in this drill. screws to the ball. Popsicle
Purpose:
• • To teach full speed form tackling in a controlled setting. full speed form tackle on the dummy. After the tackle.76.
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. We want our players to know that if they place the screws on the ball.

77. Get Up Tackling
Purpose:
• • Teach form tackling in a controlled setting. Acclimate the kids to contact.

Coaching Pointers:
• Review the techniques for a proper form tackle – hit position, screws to the ball, wrap around the butt, etc. If the player is losing the man, grab on to his shoe, part of his jersey, something… Just don’t turn him loose. Someone is coming to help you. Create even match-ups.

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Set-up and Instructions: An old favorite with a slight variation. Set up four cones to create an alley that is about 6-8 yards long and 4 yards wide. Form two lines, one line of runners behind the coach and another line of tacklers off to the side. It is important that the line of tacklers stays out of the way of the drill. The first player in each line enters the alley. The tackler will lay down on his back and the coach will grab the back of the ball carrier’s shirt. On the signal, the tackler must get up as quickly as possible. Once he is to his feet, the coach will release the ball carrier. The runner may not leave the alley as he attempts to get past the tackler. After each rep, coach the players and have them return to the back of the opposite line (runner goes to the tackling line and vice versa).

Coaching Pointers:
• This is a down and dirty drill. Be very energetic and keep the kids fired up. Try to create even matchups.

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Set-up and Instructions: Use cones to set up a running lane approximately 5 yards wide and 10 yards long. Five players at a time will participate in the drill. At the beginning, two linemen will line up close to each other in three point stances. About 6 yards beyond that, two skill players will align in hit position approximately 3 yards apart. On the signal the offensive players will attempt to block the defenders who are trying to get free and tackle a ball carrier. While one group is going, it is a good idea to have coaches matching up kids for the next round so as to maximize reps.

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79. Three Slot Challenge
Purpose:
• • Improve tackling. Practice staying square to the line of scrimmage while moving laterally.

Coaching Pointers:
• The defender must keep his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage (an excellent drill for linebackers). If you do not bring the man down, grab hold of him and don’t let go. Someone would be coming to help you. This is more of a full speed tackling drill. You may want to keep some kids out until they are ready.

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Set-up and Instructions: Set down four cones in a straight line. Each cone should be about 6 feet apart. Divide your players into two groups and have each group go to a separate side of the cones. One group will be the ball carriers (give them footballs) and the other will be the tacklers. The first player in each line will come forward and face each other standing about 5 yards apart in the middle of the cones. The offensive player begins moving laterally back and forth while the defender mirrors him, always keeping his shoulders square to the line and never crossing his feet. When the ball carrier is ready, he will run in one of the three available slots (it can be his choice or the coach can tell him where to run). The defender must meet him and bring him down by executing a form tackle.

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you will need to have a coach stay by the dummies to make certain that they do not become separated. Give one boy a blocking shield and have him stand in front of the landing area. Otherwise. This drill is a favorite but do not let the kids get wild and sloppy. Line up the other players and have one boy come line up about 5 feet away from the shield holder.
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. That player executes a form tackle on the shield holder. If you have to use the latter method. create a landing mat by placing three or four long tackling dummies side by side. fun environment. Splatter Tackling
Purpose:
• • Teach form tackling in a safe. Make sure he stays reasonably close to prevent him from gaining too much momentum prior to contact.80. place one tackling dummy at the front so that the blockers will need to use their hips to lift the player over the bag. lifting him up over the dummy and onto the landing area. We are trying to improve form tackling. Switch the shield holder every five or six reps. I suggest using that. Acclimate your kids to contact. You can use this drill for straight ahead or angle tackling.
Coaching Pointers:
• Keep the tackler close to the bag holder. If you do have a mattress. Never allow more than a few feet of running start. If you have a mattress (full size or bigger and the thicker the better) that you can transport to your practice field.
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Set-up and Instructions: Splatter drills are one of the best ways to practice technique and acclimate your young players to contact.

if the ball is loose and an opposing player is going for it. slow down half a step and scoop the ball with arms totally extended. “Go!” for each player to run. Run for a touchdown. The coach kneels about 10 feet away with many footballs around him. we want to fall on the ball to make sure that we recover it. Each player must set the ball down next to the coach as he returns to the back of the line. “Go!” for each player to run. Again. If no opponent is around. recover.81. and continue for another ten yards. fully extend the arms with no bend in the elbows.
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. Each player must set the ball down next to the coach as he returns to the back of the line. fall on it and tuck into the fetal position to protect your arms and legs. The preferred technique is to slow down just half a step. and tuck into a ball. tell the players that if the ball is loose and there are no opposing players around. Next. and make sure the ball is secured before you take off running. pick up the ball. Throw the balls into different areas so that multiple players can safely do the drill at the same time. Emphasize the importance of laying on your side and tucking your arms and legs in the fetal position. Learn how to protect yourself when falling on a fumble.
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Set-up and Instructions:
Form a line with a group of no more than 8 players. First remind the players that when we are on defense. Fumble Recovery
Purpose:
• • Learn when to pick up a fumble and when to fall on it. Throw the balls into different areas so that multiple players can safely do the drill at the same time.
Coaching Pointers:
• If an opponent is near the ball. He will throw out a ball and yell. This will protect you if somebody falls on you after the recovery. we want to pick the ball up and score. the coach kneels about 10 feet away with many footballs around him. He will throw out a ball and yell.

the formations of your upcoming opponent. It’s ok to have more than one player standing at a given position. If you have a position that does not adjust. and so on. Prior to practice. and check the defensive alignment. Make sure each player is lined up correctly and knows what to do once the ball is snapped.
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Set-up and Instructions: Place five cones down to represent the five interior offensive linemen and assign extra players to serve as the offensive skill positions.) Show the card to the scout offense using as little time as possible. Coach on the fly and spend minimal time in the huddle. create note cards with common formations. or special formations that may give you trouble such as an unbalanced line. etc. The coach can play as quarterback. Make any corrections and hurry back to the huddle for the next rep.82. It is best to use a letters for each position on the card and assign each of your scout players a letter (Billy is ‘T’. You may place a man in motion to see if the defense can react properly if you like. empty backfield. break the huddle. do not include them in this drill.
Coaching Pointers:
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Try to get a lot of reps. Adjust to Formations
Purpose:
• Practice aligning to different offensive formations and adjusting to shifting and motion. Jack is ‘F’.
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You will need three or four coaches scattered around the field on the defensive side of the ball. Prior to practice. the formations of your upcoming opponent. and so on.
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. or special formations that may give you trouble such as an unbalanced line.83. Emphasize gang tackling. Do Your Job
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Purpose:
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Review formation adjustments. break the huddle. empty backfield. Make sure everyone knows their assignment once the ball is snapped. create note cards with common formations.) Show the card to the scout offense using as little time as possible. You may place a man in motion to see if the defense can react properly if you like.
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Set-up and Instructions: Place five cones down to represent the five interior offensive linemen and assign extra players to serve as the offensive skill positions. and check the defensive alignment. It’s ok to have more than one player standing at a given position. It is best to use a letters for each position on the card and assign each of your scout players a letter (Billy is ‘T’. Jack is ‘F’. Make sure each player is lined up correctly and knows what to do once the ball is snapped. Coach on the fly and spend minimal time in the huddle.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Try to get a lot of reps. etc. The coach can play as quarterback. Make any corrections and hurry back to the huddle for the next rep.

not to get run over by them. You will need one coach to act as quarterback and another coach. All defenders must take their proper pursuit path and cross in front of the ball carrier’s face. or reverses as the season progresses. You may need to switch off with another coach. Condition. to act as the runner. This is a lot of running for the coach. It’s best if you have two defensive groups that can rotate after each rep.
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Set-up and Instructions: Thanks to Scott Gettier for showing me this drill in 2006. Angle Pursuit
Purpose:
• • Practice taking the proper angles against outside runs. who is in good shape. passes. We have done it weekly and I think it has helped prevent at least a dozen touchdowns since then.84. For some variety we may add QB fakes. Be careful not run any of your players over or. the first coach will pitch the ball to the other who will execute a sweep to one sideline or the other.
Coaching Pointers:
• Make sure players are out of the way as they return for the next rep. in some cases. Set up cones for sidelines and also to represent the offensive players so that the defenders know where to align themselves. On the snap.

we would run our plays against the expected defense of our upcoming opponent. The greatest gains will come if you have two capable coaches – one whose area of expertise is on the offensive side of the ball and another who is able to concentrate on the defense. On the second day.
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Coaching Pointers:
• Try to get as many plays in as possible. On the final day of practice. Half Line Scrimmage
Purpose:
• To practice your offense and defense in a live situation.85.
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. My 2006 team never seem to get the same benefits and we eventually stopped scrimmaging altogether. we would look at our opponent’s plays against our defense.
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Set-up and Instructions: This drill seems to work better for some groups of kids than for others. Rotate halfway through or every other day so that everyone has a chance to play both offense and defense. It was a great opportunity for the kids to learn in a game situation and for us coaches to instruct on the fly. In 2004 I was an assistant coach on a team that participated in half-line scrimmages for a half hour at each practice. On the first day we would only use our own offense and defense. Our 2004 team practiced three days each week. Coach your players on the fly.